Lawyer arraigned over fake news in Edo

A 59 –year- old lawyer, Ogedengbe Oiseoruemi Ayodeji has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court, for allegedly publishing fake news on his Facebook account about Edo University, Iyamho.

The accused was arraigned on a four count-charge punishable under Section 517,375, 517 and 59 (1) of the Criminal Code of Edo state.

Prosecuting counsel, Thomas Ojo, told the court that on June 22, the accused and others now at large with the intent to injure the reputation of the Edo University, Iyamho, unlawfully published a defamatory matter on his Facebook account, titled: “NUC revokes Edo University Iyamho, operating licence.”

Ojo added that the accused and others now at large did conspire among themselves to publish fake news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public, thereby committing the offence punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges while his counsel, Peter Uwadiae pleaded with the court to grant him bail.

Uwadiae, who led 27 other lawyers in the defence of the accused, told the court that the accused is a legal practitioner and would not jump bail if granted.

He urged the court to grant the accused bail on self recognition and that the Benin branch of the Nigeria Bar Association will ensure that he faces trial.

Magistrate I .U. Iyoha granted the accused bail on self- recognition and adjourned the case to September 3.

Speaking with journalists after the case, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo University, Iyamho, Betcher Ekhosihun, said the institution is owned by the Edo state government and does not need an operating license, but recognition by the National University Commission.

“The issue of establishing a university in Nigeria is on the concurrent list and that gives power to both the federal and state governments to establish a university. Once that is done, they write to the NUC, that will issue recognition to the university and the Edo University has that recognition,” Ekhosihun stated.

He however, cautioned people against publishing fake and unverified news in social media as the law will definitely catch up with them.